The Commonwealth of Australia has awarded a AUD22 million (USD14.6M) to Polaris Australia to acquire its DAGOR off-road tactical mobility vehicles.
The DAGOR will enhance the tactical mobility in support of the Australian Defence Forces in a range of roles and missions. Under the contract the four-wheel, all-terrain vehicles will be provided in three variants. These will include the passenger transport variant for enhancing tactical mobility, a reconnaissance variant and a cargo variant with the rear seats replaced with a rear bed extension for increased combat load capacity.
In a statement Michael Cannell, Government and Defence sales and operation manager, Polaris Australia reflected, “The DAGOR all-terrain vehicle will allow teams to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue by navigating complex terrain otherwise covered on foot.”
The Australian forces join a number of other world militaries that have selected and been successfully employing the Polaris DAGOR. The United States, Canada, and other European allied militaries including Special Operations units have years of operational experience with the DAGOR.
According to Polaris “With seating for up to nine, DAGOR comprises the optimal balance of rapid air transportability, payload capacity and advanced mobility. DAGOR gives an advantage back to dismounted warfighters, allowing formations to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue. And its weight and size allow it to be internally transportable on a variety of in-service aircraft, including CH-47 and C-130. It is also externally sling-load certified and can be parachute air-dropped.”
With a full payload of 1,814 kilograms (4,000 pounds) it accepts a variety of specific kits including heavy weapons and mission configurations. In addition, DAGOR can produce up to 4.4 kW of exportable power.
DAGOR uses readily available commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) driveline, controls and components like a diesel/JP8 engine engineered for off-road operation it is also readily supported in even the most remote locations.
DAGOR’s unique design and COTS use contributes to its ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment in support of combat operations.
The DAGOR vehicles are in production with deliveries to the Defence Forces scheduled to take place over the next two years. These vehicles will join two other Polaris products: the MV850 and Sportsman 6×6 Big Boss ATVs that are already currently in service with Australia’s military.
The contract includes DAGOR vehicles, maintenance and operator training, spare parts, and sustainment, leveraging the global presence of Polaris as these vehicles deploy globally.
by Stephen W. Miller
